Thursday, March 31, 2016

MBS RECAP: Bond Markets Taking a Classic Lead-Off

Posted To: MBS Commentary

No NFP anxiety, markets are all about preparing for April Traders think stocks will suffer and bonds will pick up the slack Dovish Yellen helped grease the skids earlier in the week We may have already traded in a lot of the anticipated positivity 10s drop 5.8bps to 1.77. Fannie 3.0s up 9 ticks to 102-21 There are at least 2 sorts of "lead-offs" that bond markets typically take: those at the end of a trading cycle (like month/quarter-end) and those before a big piece of economic data. Today saw at least one of those and possibly both. The notion of a lead-off refers to those traders who are able to get ahead of an expected move taking the opportunity to do so while other traders are forced to hold certain positions until the end of the month. When most bond market participants close...(read more)
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Nina's "Peaceful Sanctuary" — House Call

Name: Nina
Location: Los Angeles, California

My husband and I live in a one bedroom apartment in Downtown L.A. above Grand Central Market. It's walking distance to our studio and it's filled with beautiful furniture from our clients and friends.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/22SRaa7

Nina's "Peaceful Sanctuary" — House Call

Name: Nina
Location: Los Angeles, California

My husband and I live in a one bedroom apartment in Downtown L.A. above Grand Central Market. It's walking distance to our studio and it's filled with beautiful furniture from our clients and friends.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/22SRaa7

MBS RECAP: Bond Markets Taking a Classic Lead-Off

Posted To: MBS Commentary

No NFP anxiety, markets are all about preparing for April Traders think stocks will suffer and bonds will pick up the slack Dovish Yellen helped grease the skids earlier in the week We may have already traded in a lot of the anticipated positivity 10s drop 5.8bps to 1.77. Fannie 3.0s up 9 ticks to 102-21 There are at least 2 sorts of "lead-offs" that bond markets typically take: those at the end of a trading cycle (like month/quarter-end) and those before a big piece of economic data. Today saw at least one of those and possibly both. The notion of a lead-off refers to those traders who are able to get ahead of an expected move taking the opportunity to do so while other traders are forced to hold certain positions until the end of the month. When most bond market participants close...(read more)
Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.


from Mortgage News Daily http://ift.tt/1TlXrW0

Deciding if a log home is right for you!

To build or not to build…that is the question. Is building a custom log home something you've been considering? Whether you build or buy, your home will be one of the biggest investments you will make, so you want to ensure that your home is right for you. We are not going to pretend and say that a custom log and timber home is perfect for everyone, because it isn't. Here are some things to consider:

Types of Log and Timber Homes

Firstly, it's important to understand that log homes have come a long way from the old rustic four-wall cabin tucked away in the woods. There are many different styles of log homes. The three main styles are full scribe, timber frame, and post and beam. Many of today's designs combine elements from each  style to create a new style known as a hybrid. If you don't like the look and style of an entire home made of wood, post and beam and timber frame are great alternatives.

Read the full article here, difference between full scribe, timber frame and post and beam homes.

Owning Property

Like any custom home you will need to purchase land in order to build. Generally, you will want to build on property—preferably a more rural setting, and not in an established neighbourhood. A log home may look out of place amongst traditional homes. We aren't saying that a log home can't look great next to a more traditional house because they are custom built log homes that can be tailored to suit any neighbourhood. Also, if you have a small lot it may create some challenges when bringing in cranes and other equipment required to build your home in already developed areas.

Cost to Build

The cost of a custom log and timber home can vary in price depending on size, location, species of timber and special features. On average you can expect to pay 20-30% more than traditional custom homes but the upside is it will be worth 30-40% more at time of resale. If you have a tight budget and limitations there are other options to consider when you are building such as considering a hybrid, prefab or kit home. But, if you are planning a long term home with character and an appeal that will stand the test of time, a log home could be for you.

For a full breakdown on cost check out our article How Much Do Log Homes Cost?

Maintaining Your Home

There is no doubt about it, homes require maintenance and a log home is no different. If you have exterior logs they will need to be checked for rot and cracks that may occur over time. The south- and north-facing exterior walls require different treatment with preservatives and within the first few years settling occurs and the windows and doors need to be checked for drafts. Log homes can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at them and will stay strong and secure if you maintain them. If you ignore maintenance your home will continue to stand, but it will definitely look weathered so upkeep is important for the health of the logs.

For more information on log home maintenance check our article on Protecting Your Home from Dry rot.

To sum it all up, if you are looking for a home with character and unique appeal unlike the traditional box homes that you can find in any neighbourhood, a log and timber home may be the perfect home for you.

 

 

The post Deciding if a log home is right for you! appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.



from Artisan Custom Log Homes http://ift.tt/1PIjoHO

Deciding if a log home is right for you!

To build or not to build…that is the question. Is building a custom log home something you’ve been considering? Whether you build or buy, your home will be one of the biggest investments you will make, so you want to ensure that your home is right for you. We are not going to pretend and say that a custom log and timber home is perfect for everyone, because it isn’t. Here are some things to consider:

Types of Log and Timber Homes

Firstly, it’s important to understand that log homes have come a long way from the old rustic four-wall cabin tucked away in the woods. There are many different styles of log homes. The three main styles are full scribe, timber frame, and post and beam. Many of today’s designs combine elements from each  style to create a new style known as a hybrid. If you don’t like the look and style of an entire home made of wood, post and beam and timber frame are great alternatives.

Read the full article here, difference between full scribe, timber frame and post and beam homes.

Owning Property

Like any custom home you will need to purchase land in order to build. Generally, you will want to build on property—preferably a more rural setting, and not in an established neighbourhood. A log home may look out of place amongst traditional homes. We aren’t saying that a log home can’t look great next to a more traditional house because they are custom built log homes that can be tailored to suit any neighbourhood. Also, if you have a small lot it may create some challenges when bringing in cranes and other equipment required to build your home in already developed areas.

Cost to Build

The cost of a custom log and timber home can vary in price depending on size, location, species of timber and special features. On average you can expect to pay 20-30% more than traditional custom homes but the upside is it will be worth 30-40% more at time of resale. If you have a tight budget and limitations there are other options to consider when you are building such as considering a hybrid, prefab or kit home. But, if you are planning a long term home with character and an appeal that will stand the test of time, a log home could be for you.

For a full breakdown on cost check out our article How Much Do Log Homes Cost?

Maintaining Your Home

There is no doubt about it, homes require maintenance and a log home is no different. If you have exterior logs they will need to be checked for rot and cracks that may occur over time. The south- and north-facing exterior walls require different treatment with preservatives and within the first few years settling occurs and the windows and doors need to be checked for drafts. Log homes can withstand anything Mother Nature throws at them and will stay strong and secure if you maintain them. If you ignore maintenance your home will continue to stand, but it will definitely look weathered so upkeep is important for the health of the logs.

For more information on log home maintenance check our article on Protecting Your Home from Dry rot.

To sum it all up, if you are looking for a home with character and unique appeal unlike the traditional box homes that you can find in any neighbourhood, a log and timber home may be the perfect home for you.

 

 

The post Deciding if a log home is right for you! appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.



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Lowest Mortgage Rates in a Month

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates dropped again today, continuing a recent trend of improvement and bringing us to the best levels seen since March 1st. Market volatility is still making for a wide variety of pricing strategies between lenders with some of them easily back down to 3.625% on conventional 30yr fixed quotes while others aren't quite there yet. Either way, the average lender is more likely to be quoting 3.625% on top tier scenarios than on any other day this month. The timing is dramatic , with today being the last day of the month/quarter and also the day before the important Employment Situation report (aka "jobs report"). The month/quarter-end designation is important because it creates a relative frenzy of trading activity regardless of the economic data or events. When there are big moves like...(read more)
Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.


from Mortgage News Daily http://ift.tt/1UXaUEI

Lowest Mortgage Rates in a Month

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates dropped again today, continuing a recent trend of improvement and bringing us to the best levels seen since March 1st. Market volatility is still making for a wide variety of pricing strategies between lenders with some of them easily back down to 3.625% on conventional 30yr fixed quotes while others aren't quite there yet. Either way, the average lender is more likely to be quoting 3.625% on top tier scenarios than on any other day this month. The timing is dramatic , with today being the last day of the month/quarter and also the day before the important Employment Situation report (aka "jobs report"). The month/quarter-end designation is important because it creates a relative frenzy of trading activity regardless of the economic data or events. When there are big moves like...(read more)
Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.


from Mortgage News Daily http://ift.tt/1UXaUEI

Matilde & Gustavo's Art-Filled Warehouse District Apartment — Small & Stylish House Tour All-Stars

Name: Matilde Alberny and Gustavo Duque
Location: Warehouse District — New Orleans, Louisiana
Size: 710 square feet
Years lived in: 4 years; owned

Apartment living is the key to happiness for Matilde Alberny and Gustavo Duque. These New Orleans artists never imagined they would end up renting their beloved home in the Lower Garden District to move into their 710 square foot investment property. But the awakening of short-term tenants, who were in the final push to finish building their dream home, opened their eyes to the joys of living in a small space.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1nX4q69

Matilde & Gustavo's Art-Filled Warehouse District Apartment — Small & Stylish House Tour All-Stars

Name: Matilde Alberny and Gustavo Duque
Location: Warehouse District — New Orleans, Louisiana
Size: 710 square feet
Years lived in: 4 years; owned

Apartment living is the key to happiness for Matilde Alberny and Gustavo Duque. These New Orleans artists never imagined they would end up renting their beloved home in the Lower Garden District to move into their 710 square foot investment property. But the awakening of short-term tenants, who were in the final push to finish building their dream home, opened their eyes to the joys of living in a small space.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1nX4q69

Proven Ways to Distract Yourself From Buying Something New

All of us, at one time or another, find ourselves in that state of Trying Not to Buy Stuff. You might be saving for a big goal or maybe you've KonMari'd your home to bits and don't want to mess it up. But Stuff has a way of just wanting to be bought, doesn't it? Boredom can somehow convince us that a new chair or pair of shoes will improve our lives, and our resolve can melt in the face of a good sale. Next time the shopping bug bites, try one of these distraction techniques instead.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1RsjYPq

Proven Ways to Distract Yourself From Buying Something New

All of us, at one time or another, find ourselves in that state of Trying Not to Buy Stuff. You might be saving for a big goal or maybe you've KonMari'd your home to bits and don't want to mess it up. But Stuff has a way of just wanting to be bought, doesn't it? Boredom can somehow convince us that a new chair or pair of shoes will improve our lives, and our resolve can melt in the face of a good sale. Next time the shopping bug bites, try one of these distraction techniques instead.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1RsjYPq

Starchitect Zaha Hadid Dies at 65 — Design News

The design world is shocked today by the passing of world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. She died of a heart attack while being treated for bronchitis at the age of 65.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1ooLMbM

Starchitect Zaha Hadid Dies at 65 — Design News

The design world is shocked today by the passing of world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. She died of a heart attack while being treated for bronchitis at the age of 65.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1ooLMbM

5 Unusual Countertop Materials You Probably Haven't Thought Of

If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you've probably thought a lot about countertops. The good news is that even if the more conventional choices, like granite, butcherblock, or marble, don't appeal to you, there are still plenty of options. A couple of years ago I rounded up eight alternative countertop materials for those of you who are tired of the all-too-ubiquitous granite. And in this post we're highlighting five more options, ones you may not have thought about before — beautiful and unusual materials that will make your kitchen both unique and functional.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1X0fd03

5 Unusual Countertop Materials You Probably Haven't Thought Of

If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, you've probably thought a lot about countertops. The good news is that even if the more conventional choices, like granite, butcherblock, or marble, don't appeal to you, there are still plenty of options. A couple of years ago I rounded up eight alternative countertop materials for those of you who are tired of the all-too-ubiquitous granite. And in this post we're highlighting five more options, ones you may not have thought about before — beautiful and unusual materials that will make your kitchen both unique and functional.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1X0fd03

The Best Decorative DIYs For Color-Deprived Eyes

Enough with the snow already! This spring, bring a breath of fresh air into your home, brighten it up with spots of color, and get a little pick-me-up — all without spending a fortune — with these bright, cheerful DIY projects & ideas.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1MWrTiE

The Best Decorative DIYs For Color-Deprived Eyes

Enough with the snow already! This spring, bring a breath of fresh air into your home, brighten it up with spots of color, and get a little pick-me-up — all without spending a fortune — with these bright, cheerful DIY projects & ideas.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1MWrTiE

Margaret & Gabe's "Classic with an Eclectic Twist" New Orleans Home — House Tour

Name: Margaret Sche and Gabe Belgara
Location: Uptown — New Orleans, Louisiana
Size: 1,300 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year; Rented

Theirs is a Texas love story. Margaret can thank her mom for insisting she join her for some live country music and two-steppin' on that fated Friday night when she met Gabe at Blanco's. The beloved Houston dance hall—now closed—was one of Gabe's favorite honky-tonks, and sparks flew when the two met. "I was mesmerized by the pretty girl with snakeskin boots," Gabe recalls. "He definitely was scoping me out pretty hard, so that was the first thing I noticed," Margaret says. "Once he approached me, it was his eyes that drew me in, until we hit the dance floor, and he was a real good dancer." One dance led to another; small talk led to plans to get together again, which led to where they are now.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1UFaovt

Margaret & Gabe's "Classic with an Eclectic Twist" New Orleans Home — House Tour

Name: Margaret Sche and Gabe Belgara
Location: Uptown — New Orleans, Louisiana
Size: 1,300 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year; Rented

Theirs is a Texas love story. Margaret can thank her mom for insisting she join her for some live country music and two-steppin’ on that fated Friday night when she met Gabe at Blanco’s. The beloved Houston dance hall—now closed—was one of Gabe’s favorite honky-tonks, and sparks flew when the two met. “I was mesmerized by the pretty girl with snakeskin boots,” Gabe recalls. “He definitely was scoping me out pretty hard, so that was the first thing I noticed,” Margaret says. “Once he approached me, it was his eyes that drew me in, until we hit the dance floor, and he was a real good dancer.” One dance led to another; small talk led to plans to get together again, which led to where they are now.

READ MORE »



from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://ift.tt/1UFaovt